Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309

New York City Region

Latitude 40.53758

Longitude -74.225349

Directions

General Information: (718) 605-3970 ext 201

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Interpretive Center at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

Program Fees
All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tue 25 Mar

Tot Time
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!

Registration: Required

Wed 26 Mar

The Green Pages: Nature-focused Book Club
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

This month we will make book-themed crafts as we discuss The Overstory by Richard Powers with the Richmondtown Library librarians! Attendees can discuss any book/article they've been reading that relates to nature, but the suggested book can be reserved in advance at any NYPL location or digitally through Simply E or Libby. Have unwanted or previously-read books? Bring them and swap with other readers in the area! Adults and teens only. Click here to register!

Registration: Required

Sun 30 Mar

CPP Hiking Club
Sunday, March 30, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

Get outside and enjoy the beauty of our park during this monthly hiking club! We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!

Registration: Required

Sat 05 Apr

Art in the Park: Frog Crafts
Saturday, April 5, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods with a frog themed day! Join us to make frog crafts and learn some cool frog fun facts. All ages (grandparents too!). Click here to register!

Registration: Required

Sat 05 Apr

FrogWatch Hike
Saturday, April 5, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods with a frog themed day! Join us at sunset to monitor the frogs in our ponds. We will walk up to 1 mile in the dark, flashlights provided. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!

Registration: Required

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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation